The fire that destroyed the Mashteuiatsh arena on Saturday was due to the failure of rink maintenance equipment. Firefighters were able to protect the buildings adjacent to the building, but some services were partially paralyzed due to damage caused by the smoke.
According to the Mashteuiatsh Fire Department investigation, equipment that leveled the ice near the planks involved in the fire destroyed the arena and part of its roof on Saturday.
About 30 firefighters from Mashteuiatsh, Roberval, Saint-Prime and Saint-Félicien rescued the 40-year-old building, whose roof is made of wood.
The intervention requires a certain dexterity due to the proximity of the compressor chamber which contains ammonia, a gas used to cool ice.
But most of all the structure made it difficult for firefighters to fight the blaze for 13 hours.
The fire caused severe headaches for the community as many services were offered in the buildings adjacent to the arena.
This is the case for the Health and Social Services Center, elementary and secondary schools, recreation department and gymnasium that have been affected by the smoke.
Now, with an emphasis on cleaning, ventilation of the premises, let’s prioritize our health center.indicated the head of the band council of Mashteuiatsh, Gilbert Dominique.
So at the moment, resources are hard at work to make sure we can recover these areas in the next few hours, in the next few days. Elementary will remain a priority for us, He added.
Some services have moved elsewhere in the community, but basic assistance is available. Students should return to the classrooms in the coming days.
The amount of damage will be known soon. The hockey school to be held at the end of the summer has been compromised. The first regional economic round of Aboriginal citizens to be held in June will be relocated to Roberval.
Source: Radio-Canada
